Phenol undergoes reaction with CO₂ and NaOH to form salicylic acid (o-hydroxy benzoic acid).

Let:

• P = Phenol
• Q = Salicylic Acid

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

1. P is more acidic than Q
2. Q is more acidic than P
3. Q is soluble in NaHCO₃
4. P and Q both are soluble in NaOH

Solution:

Phenol is a weak acid with:

pK_a ≈ 10

Salicylic acid contains both:

• Phenolic –OH
• Carboxylic acid (–COOH)

The –COOH group is strongly acidic because its conjugate base is stabilized by resonance.

Therefore:

Acidity order:

Salicylic Acid > Phenol

Checking the statements:

• Statement (1): P is more acidic than Q → Incorrect
• Statement (2): Q is more acidic than P → Correct
• Statement (3): Carboxylic acids react with NaHCO₃ → Correct
• Statement (4): Both dissolve in NaOH due to salt formation → Correct

Answer:

Option (1)